American Airlines has issued restrictions for flights coming in and out of Flagstaff Airport due to a nearby wildfire.
The Pocket Fire, which started June 19 just north of Sedona, has burned more than 23,000 acres as is 25% contained as of Friday afternoon.
Flight restrictions first took effect at the airport on June 28 and will continue into next week. The changes are part of a continuing effort to protect firefighting aircraft.
Claire Harper is the spokesperson for the airport, and she said changing weather conditions are a huge factor in determining the restrictions.
“As the wind has died down this week, the early morning hours have been tolerable, but then when the wind direction changes in the late morning it blows into Flagstaff,” Harper said.
Harper said the restrictions will primarily affect flights taking off between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.. She said restrictions like these are unprecedented at Flagstaff Airport.
“I talked to staff that have been at the airport for more than 30 years and they do not recall flight restrictions from wildcrafts or wildfire aircraft operating impacts at the airport ever,” Harper said.
Harper recommended passengers monitor the American Airlines app for changes to their flights.
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